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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically over after Australia announced a 15-player squad to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game suggests the need for cool heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again relied upon as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at this level and should seize the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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