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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the initial game points to the requirement for composed minds during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more trusted as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining key attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the field. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at this level and should embrace the unique opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batsman if required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive approach and tendency to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team till C