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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-player team to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game suggests the need for calm heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more selected as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and should welcome the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and tendency to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace attack 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 ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team till C