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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-member team to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener indicates the need for calm heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C