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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is nearly over after Australia announced a 15-man lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for cool heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining inexperienced members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again trusted as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other key bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and should seize the unique opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batter if required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C