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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly over following the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the need for calm heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again trusted as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other main attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the field. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at this level and should seize the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible while the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being one of many batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team until C