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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the initial game indicates the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and can seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batter if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern if he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and tendency to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put 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 play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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