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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically over following Australia revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm heads during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at the top level and ought to welcome the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter if needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising 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 impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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