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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost over after Australia announced a 15-player team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the need for cool temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more trusted as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and should embrace the rare chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable while the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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