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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is almost finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a object for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and ought to seize the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter if needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and propensity to clobber massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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