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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game points to the necessity for cool temperaments during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and can seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batters failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C