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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is almost done following Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the requirement for composed heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more trusted as a back-up following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key attackers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to score massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive start against the English pace attack in what might 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 top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team until C