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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match points to the requirement for calm minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining key attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and can welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls 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 Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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