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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost over following the Australian team unveiled a 15-man team to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match suggests the need for calm heads during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a reserve following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the field. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more assured batter whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe 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 intent and habit to hit massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being one of many batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity 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 blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team till C