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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically done following the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the necessity for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and habit to hit massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C