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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically finished following Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match points to the need for composed heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more selected as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires 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 when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side until C