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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly finished after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the first match points to the requirement for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batter if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ 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 batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and habit to hit massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C