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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost finished following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the requirement for calm minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and should welcome the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to score huge scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to support him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side until C