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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost finished following Australia unveiled a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener suggests the need for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other main attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet personality away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batsman if required to lift the run-rate or support the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support 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 bowl more spells later in the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of swing whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to score huge scores as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the side till C