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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the need for composed temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and can embrace the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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