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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly over after the Australian team revealed a 15-member lineup to take on England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match points to the need for calm minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more selected as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at this level and can welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batter if needed to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to score massive scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batters unable to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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