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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly finished after Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game suggests the need for calm minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more trusted as a back-up following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C