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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost over after Australia announced a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match indicates the necessity for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batter if required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side until C