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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match indicates the requirement for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again trusted as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and should welcome the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive approach and propensity to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous 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 the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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