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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost over after the Australian team revealed a 15-man team to face England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the first match points to the need for calm heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other main bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team until C