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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the need for calm temperaments during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other key attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batter when scoring 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 of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive start against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side until C