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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the first match suggests the requirement for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more trusted as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other main bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a focus for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality off the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at the top level and can seize the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and habit to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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