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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly done after the Australian team revealed a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the need for calm heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the field. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batter if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to score big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered 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 lead the team till C