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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the necessity for calm heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and should welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the team until C