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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost done after Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match indicates the necessity for cool minds during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other main attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and habit to score big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side till C