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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is nearly done following the Australian team revealed a 15-player squad to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the initial game suggests the need for cool minds during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once more selected as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the other key bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a considerably more assured batter if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent discipline, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A couple of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a new blood at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a good start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings could give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the side until C