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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost done after the Australian team revealed a 15-player squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener suggests the necessity for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again selected as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a object for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality away from the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and should embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to hit big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul 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 Australian batting great will step in to lead the team till C