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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener indicates the requirement for cool heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being two pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more trusted as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at international cricket and can seize the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman whether needed to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side till C