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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically finished following Australia revealed a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match points to the necessity for calm temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at this level and ought to embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more composed batter if needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and tendency to score big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form 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 outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side till C