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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically finished following Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener points to the need for cool heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the debut instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at international cricket and should welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and habit to hit massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time England toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side until C