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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly done after the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to confront England in the first Test. This extended squad for the first match points to the necessity for calm heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining key bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to seize the unique opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more composed batsman whether needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s pace attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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