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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost done after Australia unveiled a 15-player team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the necessity for cool heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and propensity to score huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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