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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically done after the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other front-line attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team until C