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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically done after Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game points to the necessity for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more selected as a reserve after being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at the top level and ought to welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during recent matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team until C