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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the initial game points to the need for cool minds during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other main attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality away from the field. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and can embrace the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team until C