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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly done following Australia announced a 15-member team to face England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game indicates the requirement for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining new players being two pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again selected as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at this level and can seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive approach and propensity to score massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side till C