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The period for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is nearly done after the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the first match suggests the requirement for composed minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining main attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and should seize the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter whether needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances 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 genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive intent and propensity to score big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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