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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically done following Australia announced a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match points to the necessity for composed heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a object for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at the top level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and tendency to score big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have 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 the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the team till C