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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is nearly done following Australia announced a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game indicates the requirement for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again selected as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other main bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at international cricket and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and propensity to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English pace attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team till C