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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically finished following the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match indicates the need for composed heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again selected as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and should seize the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more composed batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to hit massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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