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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost over following Australia revealed a 15-man squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at the top level and can seize the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and habit to hit big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side until C