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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-man team to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match indicates the need for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again selected as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and should seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C