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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost done after Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game suggests the necessity for cool minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the field. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and should embrace the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive approach and propensity to hit big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C