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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the need for cool minds during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again selected as a reserve following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other main bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at the top level and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players 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. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and tendency to score massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team until C