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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly done after the Australian team announced a 15-member squad to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the initial game suggests the requirement for composed heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again trusted as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature away from the field. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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