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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost done following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match suggests the necessity for cool minds during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at this level and should seize the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and habit to score big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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