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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the need for composed temperaments during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again trusted as a back-up after being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other front-line bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a force at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity 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. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India 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 until C