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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly done after Australia announced a 15-man team to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the necessity for composed heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and ought to embrace the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to score big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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