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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly over following Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match indicates the necessity for calm heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more selected as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and habit to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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