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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-player team to face the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the first match points to the necessity for cool temperaments during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his calm personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and should welcome the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter if required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to clobber big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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