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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the first match suggests the need for calm heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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