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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-man team to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the necessity for cool heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a object for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and ought to embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to score big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously 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 step in to lead the team till C