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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is practically finished after Australia unveiled a 15-member team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match points to the necessity for calm temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a substitute after being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batter if required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and habit to clobber big runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side till C