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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically finished after Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match points to the requirement for cool heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the campaign beginning 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 teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a object for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and ought to seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more composed batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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