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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost done after the Australian team revealed a 15-player squad to take on England in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the necessity for cool heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again selected as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other front-line attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and should embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more assured batter whether needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C