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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost done following Australia announced a 15-player squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the debut in place of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five reflecting their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once more trusted as a reserve following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at the top level and can welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been targeted for the national side from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while coming in at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to score massive runs as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C