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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost done after the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match points to the need for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing fiery batsman 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 selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has emerged as a object for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and tendency to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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