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The period for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost over following Australia announced a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game suggests the necessity for calm heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again trusted as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at the top level and can welcome the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and tendency to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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