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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the necessity for cool heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again selected as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a force at the top level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batsman if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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