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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost finished following Australia revealed a 15-member squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game points to the necessity for cool heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved personality off the field. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at the top level and ought to embrace the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an battle aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batter if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to clobber massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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