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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost done following the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to face England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the need for cool minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more selected as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and can embrace the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batsman if required to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to clobber big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side until C