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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is nearly done after the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match suggests the need for calm heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batter if required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C