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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the initial game points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more selected as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at international cricket and can seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batter whether needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to score huge scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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