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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly done after the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for composed minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the field. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and should embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and habit to clobber big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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