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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost done after Australia announced a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the initial game points to the need for cool minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at this level and can embrace the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an battle aiming to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a much more composed batter whether required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to score massive scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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