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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost over after Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to face England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again selected as a reserve following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at this level and ought to welcome the rare chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more assured batsman if required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown 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. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team until C