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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the need for cool heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again selected as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at this level and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman if required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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