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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is practically finished following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener suggests the necessity for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a reserve following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality off the field. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman if required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and habit to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting 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 suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side till C