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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost over after the Australian team announced a 15-player team to confront England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for cool heads during the fiery contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more selected as a substitute after being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other key bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm nature off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team across recent Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is bound to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his positive intent and propensity to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C