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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the need for composed heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality away from the field. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being one of many 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 farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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