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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost over after Australia revealed a 15-man team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the need for composed heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or support 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 matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to score big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C