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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is practically over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the need for composed heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more selected as a substitute after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at this level and ought to seize the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team till C