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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly over after Australia revealed a 15-player team to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match suggests the need for composed temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to clobber massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. 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 century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side till C