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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly done after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining new members being a pair of fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again trusted as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a target for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his calm nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a far more confident batsman if required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent question if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to hit big runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a positive start against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side till C