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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection predictions is nearly finished after Australia revealed a 15-player team to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the necessity for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a reserve after being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other main bowlers dealing with a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to maintain his good form to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved demeanor off the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a danger at this level and should seize the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an battle aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter whether needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible as the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major impact to a crucial contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent question if he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his attacking intent and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the player has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the confidence to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when Australia toured England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will take over to captain the team until C