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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically done after the Australian team announced a 15-player team to confront England in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match points to the need for cool minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again relied upon as a substitute after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the field. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and should embrace the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more confident batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the team till C