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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to face the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener indicates the need for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again trusted as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in the team has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at international cricket and should seize the unique chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batter if required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to score big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. However following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could give the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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