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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the need for composed minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again relied upon as a reserve after being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the pitch. 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 – and has being a force at international cricket and should welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and habit to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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