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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the requirement for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a back-up following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has become a object for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and can embrace the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more composed batter if required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. 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 vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side till C