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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly done after the Australian team revealed a 15-man lineup to take on England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener indicates the requirement for calm temperaments during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a object for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to welcome the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman 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 final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent concern if Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and habit to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the team until C