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The time for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly over after Australia announced a 15-man lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game points to the necessity for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the field. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and ought to seize the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive approach and tendency to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C