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The period for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is practically done after Australia unveiled a 15-player team to confront England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener points to the need for calm minds during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at the top level and can embrace the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible as Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and propensity to clobber big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a positive start against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the team until C