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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-player squad to face the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the necessity for calm heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more selected as a substitute following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and can embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and habit to clobber massive scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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