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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game points to the necessity for cool minds during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve after being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other main attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a object for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting 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 of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team till C