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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically over after Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for calm heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again trusted as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and can welcome the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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