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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost over following Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for composed minds during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other key bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter if required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. 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 time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to score big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side till C