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The time for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically over following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the initial game suggests the requirement for composed heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and should seize the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern if he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman 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 batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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