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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-player team to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the initial game indicates the need for composed heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again selected as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has turned into a target for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and can welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to score huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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