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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost over after Australia announced a 15-man team to face the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the initial game indicates the need for calm temperaments during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again trusted as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other front-line attackers facing a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and should seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter if required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side 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 youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting 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 leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C