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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost finished after Australia announced a 15-member team to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match suggests the need for cool minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more selected as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a focus for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature away from the field. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at this level and can welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive intent and tendency to score massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However following being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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