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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is practically finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man lineup to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match suggests the necessity for cool heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again selected as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and should welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century 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 games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C