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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match suggests the necessity for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again trusted as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other main attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the rare chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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