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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically over after the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the first match indicates the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again trusted as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a danger at this level and should welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batter if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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