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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically over following the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the need for composed heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again trusted as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at this level and ought to seize the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine 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. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player 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 come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side until C