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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost finished following the Australian team announced a 15-man team to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more selected as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at the top level and ought to seize the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batter if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest 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 last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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