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The time for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is nearly finished following Australia announced a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game points to the requirement for calm temperaments during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more selected as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the field. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across recent matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to clobber massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side until C