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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the need for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at this level and should seize the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team till C