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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is practically finished following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game points to the necessity for composed minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can seize the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batter whether required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and habit to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the team till C