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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically done following Australia announced a 15-man team to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for calm heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and should welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman if required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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