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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game suggests the need for composed temperaments during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again selected as a substitute following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality away from the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and should seize the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman if needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C