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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically done following the Australian team announced a 15-player team to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the need for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more selected as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and ought to seize the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver 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 the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side until C