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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly over after Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the first match points to the necessity for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter if needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred 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 leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself 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 disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C