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The phase for pre-Ashes banter and squad predictions is almost finished after Australia revealed a 15-member lineup to confront England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match points to the need for cool heads during the fiery Ashes series, with the newcomer named for the maiden appearance in place of aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating reflecting their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced fast bowler is again trusted as a back-up after being a regular presence in the white-ball sides in the past few years. As the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other main attackers confronting a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to continue his good form to remain in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key seamer in Australia has emerged as a object for England for his moderate returns during the previous series as well as for his calm demeanor away from the field. However the veteran has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – without being a threat at this level and can welcome the rare opportunity to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The preferred gloveman is back in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a memorable incident when stumping the English batsman at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman if required to lift the run-rate or help steer the lower-order with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the periphery of the Australian side during recent matches and is back after claiming 33 wickets – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An Test cap is currently within reach as the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a demanding five-match series in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from an early stage in his journey despite injury concerns, and the moment has come for him to make a important impact to a high-stakes series. The youngster was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected in the order to ensure he can additionally support the pace attack. If Green can feasibly be picked as a true all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs during the campaign, could be decided in the domestic match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate fast bowler is at the height of his powers following leading the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during matches against India. The 34-year-old’s steady accuracy, and touch of movement whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question whether he can play four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The aggressive batsman is vital to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive intent and tendency to clobber huge runs as the stakes increase. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests point to his talents, while the player has a ability of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he must also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle-order though he has shown while captaining Australia in white-ball games that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran keeps hanging on even amid demands for a transition at the top of the order following tightening his grip on the first wicket with a double ton in Sri Lanka recently. But after being among several batters unable to deal with India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the veteran needs a strong start against the English pace cartel in what might be his farewell Test series to make sure he can decide personally on when to hang up the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former top-ranked batsman has put a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to change the contest when Australia visited England in 2023. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against the Indian team with just nine wickets last summer but recovered to be critical to the team's clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

Twelfth. Steve Smith (captain)

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