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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-player team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game suggests the requirement for composed temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other front-line attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the field. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at this level and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting 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 much more assured batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good start against the English pace attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia visited 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 bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side until C