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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost finished following Australia revealed a 15-man team to face England in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the requirement for calm temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more trusted as a reserve following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a force at this level and can welcome the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark 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 considerably more assured batter if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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