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The time for before the Ashes talk and selection speculation is practically over after the Australian team revealed a 15-player lineup to take on England in the first Test. This extended group for the first match points to the requirement for calm heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other inexperienced members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is again trusted as a back-up following being a consistent presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other main bowlers facing a demanding schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has emerged as a target for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a force at the top level and should welcome the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more composed batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the national team during the last few matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs bowling and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of movement whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative up to England with his attacking approach and propensity to clobber big runs as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being among several batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against the English pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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