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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost finished following Australia unveiled a 15-man team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match points to the necessity for composed temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again selected as a back-up following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other front-line attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and should seize the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team till C