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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost finished after Australia announced a 15-man squad to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match points to the requirement for cool heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has emerged as a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and should embrace the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, 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 far more composed batter whether required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his positive intent and propensity to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C