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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically over after the Australian team announced a 15-player team to face England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the necessity for composed temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again selected as a back-up following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and can seize the rare chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batter if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and habit to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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