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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically done after the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game points to the need for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again selected as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and can seize the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and habit to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team till C