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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-player squad to face the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for cool heads during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again trusted as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few matches and is back following claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive approach and habit to clobber huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the same the last time England toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a strong start against the English pace attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn 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 India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to lead the side till C