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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-man team to take on England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for composed temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new members being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at this level and should welcome the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman if required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to hit huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side till C