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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly done following the Australian team revealed a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match indicates the requirement for cool temperaments during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again selected as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at international cricket and can embrace the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batter if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his positive approach and habit to score big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side until C