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The time for before the Ashes talk and squad guesses is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for composed heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and can seize the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batsman if required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and habit to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batters unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if required with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C