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The period for pre-Ashes banter and selection predictions is almost done following Australia announced a 15-player lineup to face England in the Perth Test. This extended squad for the initial game suggests the need for cool heads during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the debut replacing fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining new members being two pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is how every player (presented in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive style, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned seamer is once again selected as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the other key attackers facing a demanding fixture list, the veteran will aim to sustain his strong performances to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in the team has become a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet nature off the pitch. But the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has being a danger at this level and should welcome the uncommon chance to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the batting and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is currently a much more composed batter if required to score quickly or help steer the tail with a decisive knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following claiming a solid haul – featuring eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently attainable while Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed player had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the standout of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or might have to be relied upon to bowl more spells later in the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities after carrying the white-ball attack and preparing for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s steady accuracy, and touch of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ front foot method to scoring, with the persistent question whether he can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to clobber huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the squad showed that he must additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when scoring a hundred at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The experienced remains despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order following strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being among several batsmen unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his farewell campaign to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his last eight innings might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his dismissal efforts after a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when the team visited England in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will take over to captain the side until C