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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost over following Australia unveiled a 15-player team to face England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game suggests the requirement for composed temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to embrace the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the enduring concern if he can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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