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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly finished after the Australian team announced a 15-man squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the need for composed minds during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again selected as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a target for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and should welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to score huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team till C