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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener indicates the requirement for composed minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at this level and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batter if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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