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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost over after Australia announced a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again trusted as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a force at international cricket and ought to embrace the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to clobber big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C