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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the initial game suggests the necessity for composed temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other main bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a object for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to seize the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batter whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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