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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the necessity for composed heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more trusted as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and can seize the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat 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 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batter if required to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to score big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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