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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost done after Australia unveiled a 15-player team to confront England in the first Test. The larger group for the first match points to the need for calm temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other main bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and should seize the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and propensity to hit big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required with the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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