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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match suggests the requirement for composed temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more selected as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and should embrace the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team until C