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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly over following the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the need for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other new members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again trusted as a back-up following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other main attackers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batter if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and propensity to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped 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 nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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