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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a force at international cricket and can seize the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batter if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the team till C