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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly finished following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the initial game points to the requirement for cool heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more selected as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a object for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batter whether required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side until C