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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost done following Australia announced a 15-member team to take on England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game points to the requirement for composed minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again trusted as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has turned into a object for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a force at this level and can welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batter whether needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team till C