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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically over following the Australian team announced a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the need for composed temperaments during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped players being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and should embrace the rare chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batsman if required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his positive intent and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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