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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically over after Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to confront England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the necessity for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main bowlers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber massive runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity 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. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team till C