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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the need for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other key bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive intent and habit to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side until C