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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is nearly done after Australia unveiled a 15-man lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the initial game points to the need for cool heads during the intense contest, with the newcomer included for the first time instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new players being a pair of pace backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive bravado, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is again selected as a substitute following being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other main attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the veteran will aim to continue his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his modest performances during the previous series as much as for his quiet nature off the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a danger at the top level and ought to embrace the rare opportunity to begin a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an contest hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side during the last few Test series and is back following taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a intense five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances 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 selected as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the height of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady discipline, and touch of movement whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his aggressive approach and propensity to score massive scores as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for a full series highlight his talents, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which might fit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays even amid calls for a transition at the opening position following tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran requires a good start against the English pace attack in what could be his final Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks might provide the selectors the assurance to back him to open if required alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the side until C