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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to face England in the first Test. The larger group for the first match points to the need for composed temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality away from the field. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and habit to clobber massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C