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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and squad guesses is almost over following Australia announced a 15-player squad to confront England in the first Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the necessity for cool heads during the fiery battle, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman finding form and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball approach, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other front-line bowlers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet demeanor off the field. But the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a danger at international cricket and can welcome the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an battle aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as well as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more assured batter if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a major contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to scoring, with the enduring concern if he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his aggressive approach and tendency to clobber massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to make sure he can decide personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His exceptional form with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking performances following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to the team's series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side until C