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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost over following Australia announced a 15-player squad to confront England in the first Test. The expanded group for the initial game indicates the need for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again relied upon as a back-up following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and should seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batter if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and propensity to score massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest 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 vital 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 team till C