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The phase for before the Ashes talk and selection guesses is nearly done after Australia announced a 15-member team to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match suggests the need for cool heads during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other new players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again trusted as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at this level and should welcome the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to impress with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more confident batter if required to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is back after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach as Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important impact to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the batting players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to score huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management 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 batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the team till C