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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is practically over following the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the requirement for composed temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again trusted as a reserve after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a object for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the field. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and should welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter if required to score quickly or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive approach and habit to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English 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 off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the team until C