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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the first match suggests the necessity for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again relied upon as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at this level and can embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman if required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team till C