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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost finished following Australia unveiled a 15-player team to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the necessity for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at international cricket and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning 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 baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side till C