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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically done after Australia announced a 15-man team to face England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game suggests the need for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being two pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again trusted as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at international cricket and should embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking approach and habit to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side until C