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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost finished following Australia announced a 15-player team to face England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match points to the necessity for cool heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more assured batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern if he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being one of many batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team till C