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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the need for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more selected as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm nature away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the confidence to support him to open if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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