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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is practically finished following Australia announced a 15-player team to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and ought to seize the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and propensity to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side till C