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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost over after the Australian team revealed a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the necessity for calm temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining main attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature away from the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at the top level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more composed batter whether required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder 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 major impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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