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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly over after Australia announced a 15-member team to face England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again selected as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the field. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at this level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batter whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured England in 2023. 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 vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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