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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost over after the Australian team revealed a 15-man squad to confront England in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the need for cool minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) 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 seamer is once again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at this level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and habit to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C