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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost over following the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the need for calm temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again trusted as a back-up following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batsman if required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to clobber big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C