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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is nearly done after Australia unveiled a 15-man squad to take on England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener suggests the requirement for cool heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of fiery batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other inexperienced members being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in alphabetical order) will confront the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their possible effect on the series starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once more relied upon as a reserve following being a consistent member in the white-ball teams in the past few years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other front-line attackers facing a tough schedule, the veteran will hope to sustain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has become a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his calm nature away from the pitch. However the veteran has claimed 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his most recent Test against West Indies – and has proving to be a threat at this level and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to start a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the high-pressure atmosphere of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a unforgettable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is now a much more composed batsman whether required to lift the run-rate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent Test series and is returning after claiming a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is now within reach as the captain is sidelined and the front-line fast bowlers prepare for a intense five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising player had been earmarked for the national side from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the best of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in challenging circumstances in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can realistically be selected as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to deliver more spells during the series, might be decided in the domestic match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during games against India. The veteran’s reliable accuracy, and hint of seam whether off the seam or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against England with his attacking approach and habit to score huge scores as the pressure rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the previous occasion England visited for five Tests highlight his abilities, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The reserve wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a specialist batsman when hitting a century at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings although he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could suit a regular role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet following being one of many batters unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped behind him to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne blistering form with five hundreds in his recent knocks could provide the selectors the assurance to support him to bat first if needed alongside the opener, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia visited the UK in 2023. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only a modest haul previously but recovered to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian batting great will step in to captain the side till C