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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener indicates the need for composed minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new players being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again trusted as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a force at the top level and can embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to clobber big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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