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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is practically over following the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match indicates the need for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the field. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more confident batter whether required to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and tendency to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted 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 Australia batting great will take over to captain the team until C