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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost finished after Australia announced a 15-player team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the need for calm temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other key bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at international cricket and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side till C