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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly over following Australia announced a 15-player squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the need for calm minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and should seize the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and habit to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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