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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost over after Australia announced a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the requirement for calm heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and should seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side until C