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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost done following the Australian team announced a 15-member team to face England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the initial game indicates the need for composed temperaments during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batter if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to score massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed 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 batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure 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 run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C