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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the first match indicates the need for calm minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other main attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and should welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more composed batter whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team till C