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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically finished following the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match indicates the necessity for cool minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other key bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to score big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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