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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the need for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again selected as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other key bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has become a object for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at the top level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive approach and habit to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side until C