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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game suggests the necessity for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. 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 calm personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at this level and ought to seize the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and habit to score big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team till C