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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the necessity for calm temperaments during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more selected as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a force at this level and can seize the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more assured batter if needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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