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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad speculation is almost done after Australia revealed a 15-player team to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match suggests the requirement for calm minds during the intense contest, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at the top level and should seize the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter whether required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical 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 until C