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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost over after Australia revealed a 15-man squad to face England in the first Test. The expanded group for the initial game indicates the need for composed temperaments during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more trusted as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has become a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and ought to seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player 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 versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings might provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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