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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly finished following Australia revealed a 15-player squad to face the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the need for composed minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other new members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has become a focus for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and propensity to score big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side till C