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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. This extended squad for the first match indicates the requirement for composed heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more trusted as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other main attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and can seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman if required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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