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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-man lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the need for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other new members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again trusted as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will want to continue his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and can welcome the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring concern if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to hit massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter 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 batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-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 surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team until C