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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically over following Australia announced a 15-player lineup to face England in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game points to the requirement for calm minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again selected as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the field. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and should embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive intent and tendency to clobber big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team till C