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The time for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to face England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for cool temperaments during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to score huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side till C