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The time for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is nearly over after the Australian team announced a 15-man squad to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the first match suggests the need for calm temperaments during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald named for the debut instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their likely effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining unclear, and the other main bowlers dealing with a tough fixture list, the veteran will hope to maintain his good form to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has become a target for England for his moderate performances during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved personality off the field. Yet the veteran has not taken 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a danger at this level and ought to seize the rare opportunity to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an contest aiming to impress with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batter if required to accelerate or guide the tail with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the fringes of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while Cummins is injured and the front-line quicks get ready for a demanding five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been identified for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to make a major contribution to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to make sure he can additionally support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, might be decided in the domestic round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is certain to challenge the tourists’ front foot approach to batting, with the enduring concern if Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's hopes of taking the game up to England with his aggressive intent and tendency to score big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time the English toured for a full series highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when scoring a hundred 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 demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat higher up, which could suit a consistent role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling attack in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked Test batter has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if required alongside the opener, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the contest when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but recovered to be critical to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the side till C