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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-member team to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the first match points to the need for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new members being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at this level and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batsman if required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C