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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the need for composed heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at the top level and can welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side until C