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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly over after Australia announced a 15-player team to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener points to the need for composed minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again trusted as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and should embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batter if required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C