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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost over following Australia announced a 15-member lineup to face England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the initial game points to the need for composed temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and should seize the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batter if needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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