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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match indicates the need for composed heads during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and should seize the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required with the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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