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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost done after Australia announced a 15-man team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the need for calm temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again selected as a back-up after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and should welcome the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batter if required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C