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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is practically finished after the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match suggests the necessity for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and can welcome the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and habit to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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