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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game suggests the necessity for calm minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the field. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batter if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team until C