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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost finished after Australia revealed a 15-man team to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the initial game indicates the need for cool minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter if required to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question if he can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required with the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver 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 the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team until C