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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically finished after the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the initial game points to the requirement for composed temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more selected as a substitute after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at this level and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to clobber huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side until C