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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is practically done after the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match points to the requirement for cool minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again trusted as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his calm personality off the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and ought to seize the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the confidence to support him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C