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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection guesses is nearly finished after Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to take on England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for composed minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. However 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 threat at this level and can seize the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side until C