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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for calm temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again relied upon as a reserve after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at this level and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured 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 periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-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 surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side until C