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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to confront England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener points to the necessity for composed heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once more selected as a reserve following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at this level and should seize the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and tendency to score big scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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