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The period for before the Ashes talk and selection predictions is practically over following the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to face England in the first Test. The larger lineup for the initial game points to the need for composed temperaments during the fiery Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining new members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the Bazball style, with a star rating indicating their likely impact on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again relied upon as a back-up following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other main attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the veteran will aim to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the field. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at this level and should seize the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across recent matches and is back following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether seam movement or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent question whether he can feature in four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to hit huge scores as the stakes increase. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown 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 remains despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side till C