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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically over following Australia revealed a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the first match indicates the requirement for calm heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best 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 personality off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul 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 this level and can embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more assured batter whether required to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. 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, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to hit big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the team till C