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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is nearly finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the first match points to the requirement for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is once again selected as a back-up after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as much as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at this level and ought to seize the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batter whether required to score quickly or support the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But following being among several batters failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in Perth. His outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight knocks could provide the team management the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team till C