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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically done after the Australian team announced a 15-player team to take on England in the first Test. The expanded group for the initial game points to the necessity for composed minds during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face 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 seamer is again relied upon as a substitute following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining main attackers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at the top level and should welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked 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 decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series highlight his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required with the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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