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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to face England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the need for calm minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at international cricket and should seize the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batsman if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising 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 deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to score big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

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 Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team till C