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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is practically finished following Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the necessity for calm minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top 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 away from the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and should welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batter if needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side until C