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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is practically done after the Australian team announced a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the need for cool temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other main bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at international cricket and can seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batter whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and habit to clobber massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring 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-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team until C