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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost over following Australia announced a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the need for composed temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more selected as a back-up following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to welcome the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batter if needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side till C