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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost done following Australia announced a 15-man team to confront England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the need for cool heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batter if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a positive start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be key 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 until C