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The time for before the Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically done following Australia announced a 15-member squad to take on England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the need for composed minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature away from the field. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and propensity to clobber massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C