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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost over after Australia announced a 15-player team to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game suggests the requirement for composed heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again selected as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other key bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he 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 series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and habit to hit massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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