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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost done after Australia announced a 15-player lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the initial game indicates the need for cool minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and should seize the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to score huge scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on 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. However following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side until C