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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game suggests the necessity for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again selected as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and should embrace the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more assured batter if required to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and habit to clobber huge scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side until C