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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is practically finished after Australia announced a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the requirement for composed heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more trusted as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and can welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive intent and tendency to clobber big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side until C