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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the necessity for calm heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more selected as a back-up after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other main attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more composed batter if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side until C