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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly done following the Australian team announced a 15-man team to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener indicates the requirement for calm heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is again selected as a substitute after being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more assured batter if needed to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to hit big runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good start against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C