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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to take on England in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game indicates the need for cool minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality away from the field. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at international cricket and can seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to score big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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