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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost done after Australia unveiled a 15-member team to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game indicates the need for calm minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at this level and can embrace the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and habit to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C