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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically finished after Australia announced a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the need for cool heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more selected as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to seize the rare chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and habit to score big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the team until C