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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad speculation is almost done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member squad to take on England in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the need for calm temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five reflecting their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is again trusted as a back-up after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining front-line bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his calm personality off the field. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at international cricket and should seize the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batsman whether needed to score quickly or guide the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the best of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or maybe even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his positive approach and habit to clobber big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time England toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being one of many batters failing to handle India’s the paceman previously, the veteran needs a strong start against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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