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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-player squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the need for calm temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a object for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at this level and should welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batsman if required to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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