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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically done after Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the initial game suggests the need for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more trusted as a substitute after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and ought to seize the rare chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and propensity to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball 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 games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side until C