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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener indicates the requirement for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other main bowlers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and can welcome the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman if required to score quickly or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and habit to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team till C