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The phase for pre-Ashes talk and squad guesses is almost finished following Australia revealed a 15-player lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the requirement for cool heads during the heated battle, with the newcomer included for the maiden appearance replacing fiery opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman returning to form and the remaining inexperienced players being two fast bowling backups, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive bravado, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is once more trusted as a substitute following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in recent years. With Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line bowlers confronting a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to maintain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering performances during the previous series as well as for his reserved nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and can welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle hoping to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a much more assured batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia paceman has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 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 key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite injury concerns, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal series. The 26-year-old was the pick of the batting batters while coming in at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs during the series, could be determined in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent pace bowler is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is bound to challenge the tourists’ aggressive approach to scoring, with the ongoing question if Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to the team's chances of taking the game against the opposition with his positive intent and tendency to clobber massive scores as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at more than a run-a-ball on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat higher up, which could suit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned keeps hanging on despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. But following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his farewell campaign to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five centuries in his recent knocks might provide the team management the assurance to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, though the batsman is more likely to worry England when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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