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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically finished after Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to face England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match indicates the requirement for cool temperaments during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once more selected as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key attackers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and can seize the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batter if needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to hit big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the team till C