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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is nearly done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the initial game points to the requirement for calm temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again selected as a back-up after being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other key attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has turned into a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to score massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the team till C