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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost over after Australia announced a 15-member team to take on England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the initial game indicates the need for cool temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a object for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined 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 bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batsmen unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team toured 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 last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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