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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again selected as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and can embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter if required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and tendency to score massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being one of many batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal 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 failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side until C