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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically over following the Australian team revealed a 15-player team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the need for cool temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more trusted as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a force at this level and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batter if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and tendency to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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