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The phase for before the Ashes talk and squad speculation is nearly done after Australia revealed a 15-player team to take on the English side in the first Test. The expanded group for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how every member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their potential influence on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As Cummins's return still unknown, and the other key bowlers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to sustain his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a threat at this level and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a much more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the tail with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the national team during recent matches and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now within reach while Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order players while batting at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If Green can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable discipline, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive approach and tendency to clobber big scores as the pressure rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team showed that he should additionally be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at better 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 leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the team management the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match helped turn the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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