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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost done after Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the need for composed minds during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a target for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and should embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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