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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically over following Australia announced a 15-man team to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the initial game indicates the requirement for cool heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new members being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again selected as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side until C