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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-player team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the need for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again selected as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at international cricket and should seize the rare chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team till C