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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is practically finished following the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener indicates the need for cool minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other main bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at this level and should embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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