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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is practically done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member team to face the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener points to the need for cool minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and can embrace the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive approach and tendency to score massive scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English pace attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team till C