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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically over after Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game points to the necessity for cool temperaments during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more selected as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other front-line attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the field. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and should welcome the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified 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 major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive approach and tendency to score big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side till C