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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically done following Australia unveiled a 15-man team to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener indicates the need for calm minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and can embrace the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what might 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 batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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