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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the first match suggests the necessity for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more trusted as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a object for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a force at this level and can embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and habit to clobber massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good start against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C