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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is practically over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man team to face the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the initial game points to the need for composed heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during recent matches and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to score massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team until C