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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is almost over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the need for cool heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other main attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at this level and should welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his positive approach and habit to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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