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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically over after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to take on England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at the top level and can seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to score massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting 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 although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally 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 force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side till C