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The time for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically done following Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match points to the necessity for cool minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new members being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more trusted as a back-up following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other key attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an 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 should welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to clobber massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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