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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-player team to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the requirement for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a danger at the top level and ought to seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and tendency to score big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C