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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is practically done after Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to face England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for calm temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a back-up following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other main bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at this level and can seize the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batsman whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign 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. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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