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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically over after Australia revealed a 15-man team to confront England in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the need for composed temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a back-up following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to score big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side until C