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The phase for before the Ashes banter and selection speculation is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener suggests the necessity for composed heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more selected as a back-up following being a consistent member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other key bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a considerably more confident batsman whether needed to accelerate or support the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to clobber big runs as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team showed that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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