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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly over after Australia revealed a 15-member squad to take on the English side in the first Test. The larger lineup for the first match indicates the necessity for cool temperaments during the fiery battle, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining new players being two pace reserves, there is a known quality to the selection despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating showing their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more selected as a back-up following being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining key attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will hope to continue his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at the top level and can seize the rare chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the intense cauldron of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more composed batter whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now within reach while the captain is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a major impact to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot method to batting, with the persistent question if he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is critical to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber massive scores as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad demonstrated that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on despite demands for a transition at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in Perth. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match helped turn the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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