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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically done following Australia announced a 15-member lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger group for the initial game points to the requirement for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a reserve following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his calm nature off the field. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at this level and can embrace the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batsman if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series 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 last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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