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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the need for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other main attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and should embrace the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team until C