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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly over after the Australian team announced a 15-member team to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the initial game indicates the necessity for cool minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new players being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other key bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and should welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to hit big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required with the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C