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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to confront England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener suggests the necessity for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a danger at this level and ought to seize the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more assured batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring concern if he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive intent and tendency to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England 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 underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack 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 Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C