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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically over after the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to face England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener points to the necessity for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at the top level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive approach and propensity to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on 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 earlier this year. But following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited 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 Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team until C