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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost over following the Australian team revealed a 15-man squad to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the initial game points to the requirement for composed temperaments during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side until C