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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener indicates the need for cool temperaments during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again selected as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batter if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team till C