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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is practically done after the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the first match points to the necessity for composed temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and should welcome the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side until C