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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically done after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player team to face England in the first Test. The larger squad for the first match points to the need for cool minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is again trusted as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in Australia has become a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. However the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at international cricket and ought to embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter if required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few Test series and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question whether he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to hit big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team showed that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to captain the side till C