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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost done following Australia announced a 15-man squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the requirement for composed minds during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at the top level and can welcome the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more assured batsman if required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English pace attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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