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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly done following Australia revealed a 15-player team to take on England in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the necessity for composed minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again selected as a back-up after being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and can seize the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and habit to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C