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The time for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly over after Australia announced a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the initial game suggests the need for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again selected as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at the top level and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C