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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost done following the Australian team announced a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener indicates the requirement for composed temperaments during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again selected as a substitute following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining key attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and should welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team till C