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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-player squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and can embrace the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins 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 an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and habit to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key 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