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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly finished after Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the need for calm heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and can seize the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more composed batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and tendency to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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