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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match suggests the need for cool temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again selected as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team until C