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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost over following Australia announced a 15-player team to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match suggests the requirement for composed heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a object for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and can welcome the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and tendency to score huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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