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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match suggests the necessity for calm heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other main bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and can seize the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated 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 hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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