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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost done following the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match suggests the need for calm heads during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a back-up after being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the pitch. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C