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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is nearly done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again selected as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and can welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to clobber huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. 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 series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the team till C