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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is nearly finished following Australia announced a 15-member team to face the English side in the first Test. The larger squad for the series opener points to the need for calm minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more trusted as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining main attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a threat at the top level and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a far more assured batsman whether required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now attainable as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against England with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong start against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in 2023. The veteran did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the side until C