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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener indicates the need for calm heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at international cricket and can seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batter if required to score quickly or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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