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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost finished following the Australian team announced a 15-player team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the need for calm heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter whether required to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable 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 higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side till C