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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly finished after Australia unveiled a 15-player team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match indicates the need for calm minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again selected as a reserve following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and ought to seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batter if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series 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 only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side till C