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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is nearly finished after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the requirement for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other key bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and ought to embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and tendency to clobber big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team until C