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The period for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is nearly done following the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to take on England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the need for cool heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other main attackers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at the top level and should welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and habit to hit big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring 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 demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C