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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly over after the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to face England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the requirement for composed minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a reserve following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and can welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batsman if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and habit to score huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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