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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the need for composed heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again trusted as a substitute after being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and can embrace the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batter if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s pace attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team until C