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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is practically finished after Australia revealed a 15-man lineup to confront England in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener indicates the necessity for composed minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other new members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the team even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key attackers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a target for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at the top level and should welcome the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batter if required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to score huge runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side till C