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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad speculation is practically finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to confront England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener points to the need for cool heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer selected for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining key attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as much as for his calm personality off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken 62 wickets at an average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at international cricket and should embrace the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a far more assured batter if required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, might be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable discipline, and touch of movement whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and tendency to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while leading Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. However after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against the English fast-bowling attack in what might be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be vital to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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