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The phase for before the Ashes banter and squad guesses is almost finished after Australia announced a 15-man team to face the English side in the first Test. This extended lineup for the first match suggests the requirement for composed heads during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the maiden appearance instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the remaining new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has turned into a target for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. But the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a force at international cricket and should welcome the unique chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an contest looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the team till C