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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost over following Australia announced a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the first match indicates the necessity for calm temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a force at the top level and should embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to score huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side until C