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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection speculation is almost finished after Australia announced a 15-man team to face England in the first Test. This extended lineup for the initial game points to the requirement for cool minds during the intense battle, with the newcomer selected for the maiden appearance instead of aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their potential effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more relied upon as a substitute following being a frequent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still unclear, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a demanding schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his recent success to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. However the 36-year-old has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at this level and can welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an contest looking to impress with the batting 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 veteran is now a much more composed batter if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from early in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to make a major contribution to a crucial series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the campaign, might be decided in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his powers following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's aggressive method to batting, with the ongoing question if he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's chances of taking the game up to England with his positive intent and tendency to hit big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be viewed as a pure batter when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which might suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite calls for a new blood at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka recently. However following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent innings could give the selectors the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to lead the side till C