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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost over following Australia announced a 15-member lineup to take on England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game indicates the requirement for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again relied upon as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining key attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has become a target for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and can seize the rare chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and tendency to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side till C