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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the need for calm minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new players being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a object for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality away from the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter if required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to clobber massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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