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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is nearly finished after Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to take on England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the first match suggests the need for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has emerged as a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at the top level and should welcome the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side until C