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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm personality off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at the top level and can welcome the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains 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 recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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