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The period for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost done following the Australian team revealed a 15-player team to take on the English side in the first Test. This extended group for the series opener points to the requirement for cool heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the first time replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other new members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is the way every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five indicating their potential effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again relied upon as a reserve after being a regular member in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other key bowlers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to continue his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature off the field. Yet the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to welcome the unique chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting 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 now a considerably more confident batter whether needed to score quickly or help steer the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question if he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is critical to the team's chances of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking intent and tendency to score huge scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests point to his talents, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home batting in the middle-order though he has shown while leading the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s pace cartel in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side until C