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The time for before the Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is almost done following the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to take on England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm heads during the heated contest, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how each member (listed in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their potential impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again selected as a reserve following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has turned into a focus for England for his modest returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature away from the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a threat at international cricket and can seize the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more confident batter if needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred lower down to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his aggressive intent and propensity to score huge scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he must also be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C