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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is almost done following the Australian team announced a 15-member squad to face England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the requirement for cool minds during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature away from the field. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at the top level and should embrace the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side till C