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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is practically done after the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game indicates the need for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a force at this level and should seize the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to score huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team till C