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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly done following Australia revealed a 15-man team to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the initial game points to the necessity for composed temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more trusted as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining key attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all 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 propensity to hit big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman 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 batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just 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 Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side till C