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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost over after Australia announced a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game points to the necessity for calm temperaments during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again selected as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the field. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at this level and ought to welcome the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side till C