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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically finished after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the requirement for composed heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of fiery batsman 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 squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman if required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern 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 taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C