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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded group for the first match indicates the requirement for calm minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a back-up following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the field. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at this level and can embrace the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to score big runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C