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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically done following Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the first match suggests the necessity for composed heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a substitute after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other main attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has turned into a object for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive approach and habit to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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