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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically over following Australia announced a 15-member team to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm temperaments during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again selected as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and should embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive intent and habit to hit big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against the English pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team until C