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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost finished after the Australian team announced a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match suggests the requirement for cool heads during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran seamer is again selected as a back-up following being a regular presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved personality away from the field. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at the top level and can seize the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more composed batter if required to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question whether he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to hit massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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