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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost done after Australia revealed a 15-man squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the need for composed minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining key attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a target for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman whether needed to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and habit to hit big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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