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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost done following the Australian team revealed a 15-man lineup to face England in the first Test. This extended squad for the first match points to the requirement for calm temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new players being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more selected as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has emerged as a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the field. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and can welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive intent and propensity to score huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter 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-order though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what might 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 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. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team until C