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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to confront England in the first Test. The expanded group for the initial game points to the need for cool heads during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at this level and ought to seize the rare chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more confident batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible while Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of seam whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to lead the side till C