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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-man team to confront England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the requirement for cool minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other key attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and should seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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