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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener suggests the need for cool heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve after being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature away from the field. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a force at the top level and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batter whether required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified 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 major impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team till C