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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is practically done after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener points to the need for cool temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at the top level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and habit to score big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team until C