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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically done after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game points to the requirement for composed temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again trusted as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm nature off the field. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and can seize the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side until C