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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly finished after Australia announced a 15-player squad to face England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener points to the necessity for composed minds during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again selected as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality 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 force at international cricket and should welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, 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 assured batter whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and habit to clobber huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side till C