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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is nearly done following Australia announced a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a back-up following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and should welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to score huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia visited the UK 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 the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side till C