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The time for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost done following Australia announced a 15-man squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match points to the requirement for composed minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other main attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a object for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at the top level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of swing whether seam movement 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 even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form 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 the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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