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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is nearly finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man team to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again selected as a back-up following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other front-line attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and propensity to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batters failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team till C