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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly done following the Australian team revealed a 15-player squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game suggests the requirement for calm heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber massive runs 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 highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C