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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost finished following Australia revealed a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game points to the requirement for composed minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again selected as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at the top level and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and tendency to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However following being among several batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the team till C