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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly over following Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to take on England in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game points to the requirement for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and can embrace the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side until C