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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically finished following the Australian team announced a 15-man squad to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the need for calm heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at this level and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batter if required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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