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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the initial game suggests the necessity for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batter if needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to hit massive scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batters unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side till C