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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is almost over following Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other main attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and ought to welcome the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batter if needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the team until C