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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is practically over after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match points to the need for composed heads during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again selected as a reserve after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other main attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and should seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter whether needed to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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