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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is nearly done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to face England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the need for composed minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again selected as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at this level and can embrace the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to score massive scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling 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 the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the team till C