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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is practically finished after Australia announced a 15-man squad to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive approach, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved nature off the field. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and should embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman if required 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 national team during recent Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to hit big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being among several batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

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 turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side until C