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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly finished after Australia announced a 15-man squad to confront England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the need for calm minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other main attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling 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 certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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