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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member team to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match indicates the requirement for composed temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again trusted as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter if required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during recent matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in 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. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern if he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side until C