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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad predictions is almost finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-player squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the requirement for composed temperaments during the heated battle, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other inexperienced players being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the team despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their likely effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a substitute following being a consistent member in the limited-overs teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still uncertain, and the other key attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in Australia has become a focus for the opposition for his unflattering performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature away from the field. But the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his last Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at international cricket and can welcome the rare opportunity to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a considerably more composed batter if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the fringes of the national team across recent matches and is back following taking 33 wickets – including 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The promising player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a crucial contest. The youngster was the standout of the top-order players while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but might be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells later in the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities after leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s steady line and length, and touch of swing whether seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the persistent question if he can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and habit to hit huge runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series highlight his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a century at better than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a transition at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in Perth. His outstanding performance with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against India with only nine wickets previously but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side until C