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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly done after Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match indicates the requirement for calm temperaments during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other main attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and should welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and propensity to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side till C