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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost over after Australia revealed a 15-man squad to face England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the initial game indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has emerged as 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 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at the top level and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more composed batsman if required to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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