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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to take on England in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game suggests the need for cool minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and should seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands 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. Yet after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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