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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member team to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match points to the requirement for composed minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again selected as a reserve after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor off the pitch. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and can welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batter whether needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side until C