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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is practically done following Australia announced a 15-player team to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the requirement for composed heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman if required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question if he can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to clobber massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team till C