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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly over after the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener indicates the necessity for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a substitute following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other key attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at this level and should seize the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to impress 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 much more confident batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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