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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad guesses is nearly done after Australia announced a 15-man squad to face England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the series opener suggests the need for cool temperaments during the fiery contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and can welcome the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across the last few matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s consistent line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber big scores as the stakes increase. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s pace attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the series when the team visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to lead the side until C