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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is nearly done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to confront England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the need for calm temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and should welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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