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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad speculation is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the need for calm temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at this level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter if required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and habit to score big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting 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 earlier, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side till C