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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically over after Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener points to the requirement for composed temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a back-up following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. 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 West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and should embrace the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and propensity to score huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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