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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is practically over following Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game suggests the requirement for composed heads during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other main bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and should seize the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side until C