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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically over following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the need for calm temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and can seize the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to clobber massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good start against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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