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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost finished after Australia revealed a 15-player team to confront the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match suggests the necessity for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again trusted as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a threat at international cricket and can embrace the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batter if required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive approach and propensity to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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