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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the need for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again trusted as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and ought to embrace the rare chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batter whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to hit big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the team till C