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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost finished following the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to face England in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match indicates the requirement for cool minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a object for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and ought to welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the team until C