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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically finished following Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the necessity for calm heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 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 danger at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India 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 Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C