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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad speculation is almost over after Australia unveiled a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener suggests the necessity for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

Yet with the batsman returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how each player (listed in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball bravado, with a rating out of five showing their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will want to sustain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate performances during the previous series as well as for his calm personality off the field. But the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – without proving to be a force at international cricket and should welcome the unique opportunity to begin a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred wicketkeeper is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a considerably more composed batter if needed to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is back after taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent concern if he can feature in four or perhaps even five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and habit to score huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle-order though he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However after being one of many batsmen unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against the English fast-bowling cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the disappointment of being dropped behind him to earn his place again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight knocks might provide the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when the team toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he hoped for against India with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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