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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically over following the Australian team announced a 15-member team to face England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener suggests the necessity for calm heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to embrace the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batsman if required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across recent matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C