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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly done following Australia unveiled a 15-man team to confront England in the first Test. The larger group for the first match points to the requirement for composed heads during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a regular member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining main bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and should welcome the rare chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly 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, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and habit to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team until C