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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener points to the necessity for calm heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other main bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and should seize the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batter whether required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question whether he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C