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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost done following the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for composed temperaments during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again selected as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to seize the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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