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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-man team to take on England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for composed minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again trusted as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and ought to embrace the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and habit to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side until C