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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost finished after the Australian team announced a 15-member team to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the need for cool heads during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining main attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor off the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean 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 true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the team till C