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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly over following the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a substitute following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a focus for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and ought to welcome the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting 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 now a considerably more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and habit to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C