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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost done following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a reserve following being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a object for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more composed batter if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously 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 captain the side till C