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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically done after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the need for calm heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at this level and can welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batter if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and propensity to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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