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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is nearly done following the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the initial game points to the necessity for cool heads during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at international cricket and should seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman if required to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if he can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive approach and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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