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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically done following the Australian team announced a 15-member lineup to take on England in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game points to the need for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating reflecting their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a object for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. But the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – without being a threat at the top level and can seize the uncommon chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more confident batter whether needed to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his positive intent and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. However after being among several batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition 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 muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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