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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost over following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the initial game points to the need for cool heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining main attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batter whether required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and tendency to clobber big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team until C