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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost finished following the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match points to the need for composed heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at the top level and can embrace the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether he can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to score big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good start against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured 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 key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team till C