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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically over after Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger group for the initial game points to the requirement for cool minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their likely effect on the series starting 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 white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other main bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at this level and ought to seize the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batter if needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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