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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically over following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the necessity for composed minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again selected as a substitute following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature away from the field. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and can welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to score big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However following being one of many batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side till C