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The time for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is practically done after the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match points to the necessity for composed heads during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again selected as a reserve following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining key bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at international cricket and should embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or help steer the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can feasibly be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the contest when the team toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side until C