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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is almost done following Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the need for composed minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more selected as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and can embrace the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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