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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost done after the Australian team revealed a 15-player team to confront the English side in the first Test. This extended squad for the series opener suggests the need for cool temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new players being two fast bowling replacements, there is a known quality to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again relied upon as a back-up after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batter if needed to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible as the captain is injured and the key quicks get ready for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can play four or maybe even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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