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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the need for calm heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again selected as a back-up following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and habit to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team till C