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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is practically done after the Australian team revealed a 15-man squad to take on England in the first Test. The expanded group for the initial game points to the requirement for composed heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again selected as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batter if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side till C