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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad speculation is almost done following the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match suggests the requirement for composed heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining new members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again selected as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at the top level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batter whether needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and habit to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a positive start against the English pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side until C