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The time for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically over following Australia announced a 15-player lineup to take on the English side in the Perth Test. This extended lineup for the initial game suggests the need for calm minds during the fiery contest, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman finding form and the remaining new members being a pair of pace reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball bravado, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is once again selected as a reserve after being a frequent presence in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback still unknown, and the other front-line bowlers facing a demanding fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his good form to stay in consideration for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

The fourth best pace bowler in Australia has become a focus for England for his modest performances during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality away from the field. But the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a danger at this level and should seize the unique opportunity to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest looking to stand out with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more assured batter if required to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a decisive contribution. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side during the last few matches and is returning following taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in the previous Sheffield Shield. An international debut is now possible as Cummins is sidelined and the key fast bowlers get ready for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his journey even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the series, could be decided in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent seamer is at the peak of his powers following carrying the white-ball bowling and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s reliable line and length, and hint of movement whether it be off the seam or in the air, is certain to challenge the England's front foot method to scoring, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or perhaps even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of taking the game against the opposition with his attacking intent and propensity to clobber massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion the English toured for a full series demonstrate his skills, while the player has a talent of taking a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in the subcontinent. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could suit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. Yet after being one of many batters failing to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old needs a positive start against the English fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has put a dismal form and the indignity of being omitted behind him to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and surely the playing eleven to feature in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the team management the assurance to back him to bat first if required alongside Khawaja, although the 31-year-old is more likely to worry England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking performances following a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia visited the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with just nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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