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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost over following the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the requirement for composed minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again trusted as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman if needed to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid 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 earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good start against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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