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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost finished after the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener suggests the need for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to continue his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a object for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. However 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 West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter whether needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side until C