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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost finished following Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront England in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the need for calm temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more relied upon as a back-up following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and can seize the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to score huge runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a strong start against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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