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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost done following Australia announced a 15-player squad to confront England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game suggests the necessity for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again selected as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more confident batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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