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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is nearly over following the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match indicates the need for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more selected as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at international cricket and can welcome the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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