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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly finished following the Australian team announced a 15-man team to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game points to the requirement for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again selected as a reserve after being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and ought to seize the rare opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a much more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and tendency to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old 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 versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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