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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the initial game indicates the need for calm minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again trusted as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and can seize the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter if required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and propensity to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side till C