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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically over after Australia announced a 15-player team to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again selected as a substitute following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and can embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question if he can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team till C