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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically over following Australia revealed a 15-man team to confront England in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game suggests the need for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more selected as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at the top level and can embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give 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 notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side until C