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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost over following Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to face England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener indicates the need for cool temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more trusted as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at the top level and ought to seize the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter if required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven 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 injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team till C