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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is practically finished following Australia announced a 15-player lineup to confront England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining main attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to seize the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to clobber massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular 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 strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form 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. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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