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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is almost over after Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the need for cool heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again trusted as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at the top level and can welcome the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series 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 2023. The veteran is currently a much more composed batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team till C