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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost done after Australia announced a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the first match suggests the need for calm temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again trusted as a substitute following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other main attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and ought to welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century 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 although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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