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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost finished after Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the necessity for cool temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at the top level and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batsman whether required to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn 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 nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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