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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically done after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has emerged as a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at international cricket and should seize the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter whether needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and propensity to score big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C