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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost over after Australia revealed a 15-member team to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the first match points to the need for cool heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other main attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at the top level and can seize the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player 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 deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and tendency to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a strong start against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side until C