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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is almost done after Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the necessity for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and should seize the rare chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and habit to hit massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace cartel 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 ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side till C