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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly done following Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the requirement for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more selected as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a object for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a much more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C