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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to face England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match points to the necessity for cool temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can embrace the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more composed batter if required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and propensity to score huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team until C