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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically over after Australia announced a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match indicates the need for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more trusted as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other key bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at this level and ought to seize the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to hit massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side till C