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The period for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost done after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to face England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the need for composed minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again trusted as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has emerged as a object for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. However the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and can embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batsman if required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to clobber huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if required with 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 off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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