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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection guesses is almost over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to confront England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the first match points to the need for composed heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again selected as a substitute after being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining key attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his recent success to remain in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and ought to embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series looking to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batter if needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being among several batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side until C