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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match indicates the need for calm temperaments during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and should welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman if needed to score quickly 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 across the last few Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side till C