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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the initial game points to the need for cool minds during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining main attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has emerged as a object for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and should welcome the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batter whether required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being one of many batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side till C