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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically done following Australia announced a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the need for calm heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other front-line attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his calm personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a force at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and habit to score big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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