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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is practically finished after the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to confront England in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the requirement for cool heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other new members being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is again relied upon as a back-up after being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a threat at the top level and should welcome the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman whether needed to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable while Cummins is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be selected in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

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 accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking intent and habit to clobber huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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