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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically done after Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the need for composed heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and can welcome the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batter if needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. 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 vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side till C