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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost finished after Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without 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 main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter whether needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to clobber massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century 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 Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls 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 earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side till C