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The time for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically done following Australia unveiled a 15-man team to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the necessity for composed temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again relied upon as a substitute after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration 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 reserved demeanor away from the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and should welcome the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman if needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C