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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly over following the Australian team announced a 15-man squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again trusted as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at the top level and can welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side until C