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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection speculation is practically finished following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The expanded squad for the series opener indicates the need for cool minds during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the maiden appearance instead of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the squad even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way every member (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball style, with a rating out of five showing their likely impact on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again trusted as a reserve after being a frequent member in the limited-overs teams in the past few years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his quiet demeanor away from the field. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a danger at this level and can embrace the rare opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a far more assured batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or support the lower-order with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An international debut is now within reach as Cummins is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been identified for the Test team from early in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to make a significant contribution to a high-stakes series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the top-order players while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the height of his powers after leading the limited-overs bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and hint of seam whether seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the England's front foot approach to batting, with the ongoing question whether Hazlewood can play four or maybe even five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is crucial to Australia’s chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his attacking intent and tendency to hit big runs as the stakes rise. A couple of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the last time the English toured for five Tests demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The reserve keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the opening position after strengthening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in the subcontinent earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to handle the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what might be his farewell campaign to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked Test batter has put a poor run and the disappointment of being omitted behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in the first Test. His outstanding form with five centuries in his recent innings could provide the team management the confidence to support him to bat first if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match helped change the series when the team visited the UK in 2023. The veteran did not have the home campaign he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to the team's series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will take over to lead the team until C