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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly finished following Australia revealed a 15-man squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener points to the requirement for cool minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again relied upon as a reserve after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature away from the field. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and should embrace the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team until C