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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the initial game indicates the need for calm temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a back-up following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at this level and should seize the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and habit to clobber big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side till C