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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match suggests the need for composed temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and can welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted 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 impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal 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 Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team till C