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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost done after Australia revealed a 15-member team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the initial game suggests the requirement for composed minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature off the field. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and can seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side until C