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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly over after the Australian team revealed a 15-player squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener suggests the necessity for calm heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and should seize the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question whether he can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side till C