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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is practically finished after Australia announced a 15-player lineup to face England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match points to the need for calm minds during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more trusted as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining main attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and should welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding 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 journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question if he can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C