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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost finished following the Australian team announced a 15-man team to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game indicates the need for calm temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and can embrace the unique chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and propensity to hit massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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