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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is practically finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game indicates the requirement for cool heads during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the only other new members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating showing their possible influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again relied upon as a substitute after being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining main attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in the team has turned into a object for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and can embrace the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an battle aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batter if needed to accelerate or support the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his abilities after leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the persistent concern if he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series point to his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a good start against England’s pace attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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