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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly finished after the Australian team unveiled a 15-man squad to face England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the necessity for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their likely impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more trusted as a reserve following being a consistent presence in the limited-overs sides in recent years. As the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key bowlers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will want to continue his strong performances to remain in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has turned into a focus for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet personality off the pitch. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – featuring a three in three in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and should embrace the uncommon opportunity to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more confident batter whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team across the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can also assist the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the height of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and touch of seam whether it be off the seam or in the air, is sure to challenge the England's front foot approach to batting, with the enduring question if he can feature in four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is crucial to the team's chances of taking the game against England with his positive approach and tendency to hit big scores as the stakes rise. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batter when hitting a century at more than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell campaign to ensure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings might give the selectors the assurance to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to turn the contest when the team visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just nine wickets previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to captain the team till C