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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is practically done following the Australian team revealed a 15-member squad to face England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for calm heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again trusted as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other front-line attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor off the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and should embrace the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more composed batter whether required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman 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 average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and propensity to score big runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side till C