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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost finished after the Australian team announced a 15-man lineup to take on England in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener indicates the need for calm heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again selected as a substitute following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor off the field. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at international cricket and should welcome the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more composed batsman if required to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable as the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and habit to score big runs as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side until C