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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly over after Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the first match points to the necessity for cool minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However following being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side till C