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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly finished after Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the first match indicates the necessity for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and can seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batsman if needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and habit to score huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side until C