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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost finished after Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the requirement for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other key attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to score big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem 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 domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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