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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost finished following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to face England in the first Test. This extended group for the first match suggests the requirement for cool minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other main bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and ought to seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and propensity to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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