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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and selection guesses is practically done after Australia announced a 15-member squad to face England in the Perth Test. This extended group for the series opener indicates the need for cool heads during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the first time in place of explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins. Below is how each player (listed in alphabetical order) will face the aggressive approach, with a star rating reflecting their likely influence on the campaign starting on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The veteran fast bowler is once more relied upon as a reserve after being a regular presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return remaining uncertain, and the remaining front-line attackers confronting a tough schedule, the veteran will want to sustain his strong performances to remain in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best fast bowler in the team has emerged as a object for England for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his reserved demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the veteran has claimed a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – featuring a hat-trick in his last Test against the Caribbean side – and has being a force at this level and ought to embrace the unique opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the intense cauldron of an Ashes series hoping to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batsman if required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state paceman has been on the edges of the Australian side across recent matches and is back after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is now within reach while Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the standout of the batting players while coming in at No 3 in difficult circumstances in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield round soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate pace bowler is at the height of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s steady line and length, and hint of swing whether off the seam or in the air, is sure to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the persistent concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to the team's hopes of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his positive intent and habit to hit massive scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the last time England visited for five Tests demonstrate his abilities, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to bat earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran remains despite demands for a new blood at the top of the order following strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in the subcontinent earlier this year. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong start against England’s fast-bowling attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place again into the national team – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. His blistering form with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the confidence to back him to bat first if needed with the opener, though the 31-year-old is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner was as famous for his absence as his dismissal performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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