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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is almost finished after Australia announced a 15-member team to face the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the initial game indicates the requirement for composed minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the first time in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again trusted as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more composed batter if required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. 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 change the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side until C