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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is practically finished after Australia announced a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the first match points to the necessity for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more trusted as a substitute after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has turned into a object for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a force at this level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a far more confident batter if needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to score big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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