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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and should embrace the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more composed batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to 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 just a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the team until C