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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the initial game points to the need for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more selected as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batter whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side until C