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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly done following Australia revealed a 15-member team to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match suggests the necessity for composed minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again trusted as a substitute after being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at this level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the team till C