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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad guesses is nearly done after Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the need for cool minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating indicating their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again selected as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a focus for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality away from the field. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and can welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batter whether needed to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question if he can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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