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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-player team to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener points to the necessity for calm temperaments during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again selected as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other main attackers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. 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 come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question if he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to score big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team until C