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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener suggests the need for cool minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman whether required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side during recent Test series and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question if he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when Australia visited the UK 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 key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side till C