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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is practically done after Australia revealed a 15-player team to confront England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game points to the requirement for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to embrace the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more assured batsman if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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