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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly over after the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener indicates the requirement for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a substitute after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other key bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a object for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at international cricket and ought to seize the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C