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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is practically over after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the need for cool minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other main bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a force at the top level and ought to seize the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side till C