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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is practically done following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again selected as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at the top level and should welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batter if needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team until C