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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match suggests the need for cool temperaments during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature away from the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling 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 Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and habit to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C