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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match suggests the requirement for composed temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and should seize the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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