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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost over after Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to face the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game points to the necessity for composed minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their possible impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again trusted as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at this level and can seize the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring concern if he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batters failing to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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