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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically over following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to face England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for calm minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more selected as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C