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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly done following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match indicates the need for cool minds during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batter whether required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. 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 turn the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side till C