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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly done following Australia announced a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger group for the first match points to the necessity for calm heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at this level and should welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side till C