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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly finished after the Australian team announced a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game indicates the need for calm minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again trusted as a substitute after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality off the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a force at international cricket and should welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batsman if needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C