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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to face England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match points to the need for cool heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and can embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side till C