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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is practically done following the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to confront England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the need for calm temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other key bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has become a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at this level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batters unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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