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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is nearly done following Australia announced a 15-man lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener points to the requirement for composed heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other main attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at this level and should embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batters failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side until C