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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is practically over after the Australian team announced a 15-player team to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more confident batter if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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