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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match suggests the requirement for cool temperaments during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality away from the field. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a force at this level and should embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more assured batter whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to score huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team till C