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The time for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically over after Australia unveiled a 15-man team to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the requirement for composed heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other main bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor off the field. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and should seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman if needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question if he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive approach and habit to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve 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 Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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