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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically finished following Australia announced a 15-man lineup to confront England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match points to the need for cool minds during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and should welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more assured batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side until C