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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically over after Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the initial game indicates the need for cool minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and should seize the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side until C