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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is practically over after the Australian team revealed a 15-member team to take on England in the first Test. The expanded squad for the initial game indicates the need for calm temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance instead of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne finding form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five showing their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more selected as a back-up following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the other main attackers facing a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm personality away from the pitch. But the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at this level and should embrace the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the intense atmosphere of an contest hoping to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more confident batsman whether needed to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and habit to hit huge scores as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against India recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad showed that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. But following being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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