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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically over after Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to take on England in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener points to the need for composed minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a danger at international cricket and ought to embrace the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more assured batter if required to accelerate or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a major impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps as many as five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game against England with his positive approach and tendency to score big runs as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if required with the opener, though the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match helped change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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