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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly over following Australia announced a 15-man team to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match suggests the necessity for calm temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being two pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive intent and tendency to score big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team till C