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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to take on England in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game indicates the requirement for calm temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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