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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost done after Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to face England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the necessity for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player 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 important impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and propensity to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a strong start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured 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 Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C