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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically finished following Australia revealed a 15-member squad to confront England in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the need for composed temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batter if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C