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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly over after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the need for cool heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining key attackers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and should embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side until C