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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically finished after Australia announced a 15-man squad to confront England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other main bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batter if required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to score massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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