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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically over after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the necessity for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a target for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during recent matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and habit to clobber huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with 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 notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team till C