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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically over following the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the necessity for cool heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more selected as a reserve after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his calm nature away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at the top level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batter whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and habit to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side till C