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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is practically over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member team to take on England in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match suggests the need for composed temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining key attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the field. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul 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 international cricket and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batter whether needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and habit to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a pure batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball 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 Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side till C