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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-player team to confront England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game indicates the requirement for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C