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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost finished after Australia announced a 15-man lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener indicates the necessity for calm minds during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s pace attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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