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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost done following the Australian team announced a 15-member squad to confront England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game suggests the necessity for cool minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at international cricket and should welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side until C