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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly done following the Australian team revealed a 15-player team to confront England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener indicates the need for cool heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a target for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his calm personality away from the field. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at this level and ought to seize the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and propensity to score massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team till C