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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost done after the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match indicates the requirement for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and should seize the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batter if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed 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 shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team till C