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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly done after Australia announced a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for composed minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a object for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and can seize the rare chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side till C