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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man team to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the need for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and habit to score big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-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 Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required with the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the team until C