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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-player team to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the need for calm minds during the intense battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve following being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm personality off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman if needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor 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 feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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