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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is almost done following Australia announced a 15-man lineup to take on England in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener indicates the need for cool heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without 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 effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again trusted as a reserve after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a target for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and should welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batter if required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side until C