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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly done after the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the necessity for calm heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other main bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and can embrace the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire 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 behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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