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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically over after Australia unveiled a 15-player squad to face the English side in the first Test. The expanded squad for the series opener points to the need for calm heads during the heated contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new members being two pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the aggressive bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more trusted as a reserve following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other front-line attackers confronting a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in Australia has become a object for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality off the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and should welcome the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable incident when stumping the English batsman at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more confident batsman whether needed to accelerate or help steer the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is returning after claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently possible as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the series, might be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether he can feature in four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his positive approach and tendency to score big scores as the stakes increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the previous occasion the English visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team showed that he should also be viewed as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite calls 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. However after being one of many batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the disappointment of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his recent innings might provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting 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 series when Australia visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to lead the side till C