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The time for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-man team to take on England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the requirement for composed temperaments during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other front-line attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and can welcome the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an contest looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to clobber massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batters unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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