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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is nearly done following Australia announced a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match points to the need for cool temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a force at this level and ought to welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batter if needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and propensity to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side till C