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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost done after the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game points to the requirement for composed temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again trusted as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and can seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling 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 fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive approach and habit to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at more 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 versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C