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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the first match points to the necessity for cool heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a substitute after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question if he can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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