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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly done after Australia unveiled a 15-man team to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game suggests the requirement for calm temperaments during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again selected as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a force at the top level and should welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more composed batsman if required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team till C