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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly over following Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match indicates the necessity for composed temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more selected as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a force at international cricket and can seize the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side until C