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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically done after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game points to the need for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again trusted as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining main attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver 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 difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and habit to clobber big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being one of many batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s pace attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side until C