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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically done following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again trusted as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other main bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and ought to embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score huge scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team until C