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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad speculation is almost over after Australia announced a 15-man lineup to confront England in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game suggests the need for calm heads during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at this level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising 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 make a major contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and tendency to score huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C