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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost over after Australia revealed a 15-member team to confront England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the need for cool minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and habit to score big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old 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 team showed that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls 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 the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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