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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the first match suggests the requirement for cool minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has turned into a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at the top level and can seize the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to hit big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting 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 suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK 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 vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side till C