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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match suggests the necessity for cool minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the debut instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a reserve after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and can welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and habit to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management 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 notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side until C