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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost finished after the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to take on England in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game suggests the requirement for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other key attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side till C