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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically finished following Australia announced a 15-man team to take on England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the requirement for composed heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batter if required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut 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 matches that he has the versatility 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 calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side until C