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The time for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is practically over following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to confront England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the need for composed minds during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a danger at this level and can seize the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batter whether needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and habit to score massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team toured 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 Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team until C