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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the need for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and can seize the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice 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 incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team 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 just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team till C