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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the necessity for composed temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other key bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and can welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and habit to clobber massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side till C