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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost finished after Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to face England in the first Test. The larger group for the first match points to the necessity for cool temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again relied upon as a back-up following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and can seize the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and habit to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team until C