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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost over after Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the necessity for composed heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can seize the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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