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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost finished following Australia announced a 15-man team to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a object for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batsman if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side till C