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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the requirement for composed heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at international cricket and can embrace the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C