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The period for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost over after Australia unveiled a 15-member team to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the requirement for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the first time instead of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being two fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the selection despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each member (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball style, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a tough schedule, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his modest returns during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature away from the field. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul 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 force at this level and can seize the unique chance to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest looking to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the national team across recent Test series and is returning after taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key quicks get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs during the series, might be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady discipline, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern whether he can play four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to hit big scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his part-time but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the squad showed that he must also be viewed as a pure batter when pummelling a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a new blood at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But after being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call himself on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks could give the selectors the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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