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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is nearly over following the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to take on England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game suggests the necessity for calm heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again trusted as a back-up after being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at the top level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and habit to hit massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form 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 outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side till C