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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost over following the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to take on England in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game suggests the requirement for cool heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again trusted as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other key bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more composed batter whether needed to score quickly or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to score big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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