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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically over after Australia announced a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the need for cool minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and should welcome the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper 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 the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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