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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad speculation is nearly done after Australia announced a 15-member squad to confront the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the series opener suggests the requirement for calm minds during the heated contest, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped players being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five indicating their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unknown, and the remaining front-line attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and ought to welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a far more confident batter whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the fringes of the Australian side across the last few Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently attainable while Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot method to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking approach and propensity to score huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when hitting a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batters failing to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what might be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the team until C