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The time for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is nearly done following Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game suggests the need for composed heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more selected as a substitute following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other key bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important impact to a crucial series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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