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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly over following the Australian team revealed a 15-player squad to face England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C