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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the requirement for cool heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a back-up after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and can welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side till C