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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost finished after Australia announced a 15-player lineup to face England in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener indicates the need for composed heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and can embrace the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batsman if needed to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and propensity to clobber big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s pace attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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