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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly finished following the Australian team announced a 15-player team to take on England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match points to the necessity for composed minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and should embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batsman whether required to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready 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 journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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