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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is nearly finished after the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match suggests the need for calm temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other main bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires 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 hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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