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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly over following Australia unveiled a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match indicates the requirement for cool minds during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the debut instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without being a danger at this level and should welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batsman if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting players while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and habit to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a good start against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when the team toured the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the side till C