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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly over after Australia revealed a 15-man squad to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the need for composed temperaments during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the pitch. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and should seize the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batter if needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and propensity to clobber huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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