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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member team to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the first match indicates the need for cool heads during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other main attackers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side until C