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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly finished following Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener indicates the requirement for cool minds during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again selected as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and should welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent matches and is back after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side until C