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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically over following Australia revealed a 15-man team to face England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the necessity for composed heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at this level and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batter if needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his positive intent and propensity to hit massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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