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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost finished following Australia revealed a 15-man squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the necessity for composed minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again selected as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batter whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and propensity to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C