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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-man team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the requirement for calm heads during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a object for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and can embrace the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman if required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his positive intent and tendency to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team until C