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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically over after the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game points to the need for calm heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at the top level and can embrace the rare chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batter if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and propensity to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side till C