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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost done following Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other front-line attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at the top level and ought to welcome the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batter whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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