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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-man squad to face England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the requirement for calm minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more trusted as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more composed batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and habit to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C