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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost done after Australia announced a 15-member team to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again selected as a reserve following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and should embrace the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive approach and habit to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays 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 recently. But after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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