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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly over following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for calm minds during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again relied upon as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a object for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and can seize the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to score big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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