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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match suggests the necessity for cool heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at this level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a much more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and propensity to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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