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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost finished following Australia announced a 15-player team to confront England in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for calm minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other main attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a target for England for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to welcome the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a much more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight innings could provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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