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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool temperaments during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other main attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a danger at the top level and ought to embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign 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 batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to score huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team till C