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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-player team to face England in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game suggests the need for calm temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other key attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and ought to seize the unique chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman if required to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and tendency to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a hundred at more 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 shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side until C