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The time for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost over after Australia announced a 15-player squad to face England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the first match suggests the need for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again selected as a reserve following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a force at this level and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the England's aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern if he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive intent and propensity to clobber massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team till C