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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly over after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the requirement for calm temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again selected as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and should welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to score massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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