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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is nearly over after Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game suggests the need for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and can seize the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive approach and habit to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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