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The time for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost finished after Australia announced a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the need for calm minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again trusted as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the field. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and should embrace the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to score huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side till C