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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically finished following Australia announced a 15-member team to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match suggests the need for calm temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a back-up following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and should seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more confident batsman if required to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring concern if he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to score big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the team until C