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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically over following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the need for composed heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has emerged as a object for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at international cricket and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team till C