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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is practically done after Australia announced a 15-player lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener points to the necessity for cool temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the field. Yet 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 West Indies – and has being a danger at the top level and can seize the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter if needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern if he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to score huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side till C