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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost done after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the necessity for calm temperaments during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at this level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and habit to score massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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