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The period for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost finished following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener indicates the need for composed minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more selected as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other main bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a object for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to score big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable 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 the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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