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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the first match points to the requirement for calm minds during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again selected as a back-up after being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the field. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to seize the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle looking to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more composed batsman if needed to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and tendency to score huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being among several batters failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his recent knocks could provide the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the side until C