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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost done after the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the necessity for cool heads during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more selected as a reserve following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and should welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to score huge scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side until C