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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is nearly done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the initial game suggests the requirement for calm temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other main bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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