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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man team to face England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the requirement for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and should welcome the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batter whether required to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to score huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball 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 captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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