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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically over after Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the need for composed minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again selected as a reserve after being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining key attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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