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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost done after the Australian team announced a 15-man team to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the requirement for composed heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again selected as a back-up following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other main bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality off the field. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a force at this level and should welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batter if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team until C