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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the necessity for cool heads during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining new members being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other main bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and should welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batsman if required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and habit to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side till C