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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and selection speculation is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to confront England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener suggests the need for calm temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being two pace replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again trusted as a substitute following being a regular member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining main attackers facing a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will aim to maintain his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. Yet the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of 16.53 – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest aiming to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role 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 batsman whether needed to score quickly or help steer the lower-order with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during recent matches and is back after claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently possible while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a significant impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If he can feasibly be picked as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to deliver bulk overs later in the series, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the persistent concern if he can play four or maybe as many as all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is critical to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his positive intent and propensity to clobber massive runs as the pressure increase. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the 31-year-old has a talent of taking a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be viewed as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to come in earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But following being among several batsmen unable to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His exceptional form with five hundreds in his last eight innings could give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second match contributed to change the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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