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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost finished after the Australian team announced a 15-player team to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the requirement for calm temperaments during the intense battle, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again selected as a back-up after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line attackers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality off the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at the top level and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and habit to clobber big runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However following being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side until C