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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is practically over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the requirement for composed heads during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other key attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at the top level and can welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity 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 outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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