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The time for pre-Ashes exchanges and selection guesses is nearly finished after the Australian team announced a 15-member squad to take on England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the series opener points to the need for composed temperaments during the fiery contest, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other uncapped members being a pair of pace backups, there is a known quality to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is how every member (presented in A-Z sequence) will face the Bazball approach, with a star rating showing their likely influence on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced paceman is once again relied upon as a reserve after being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers confronting a tough fixture list, the 33-year-old will aim to sustain his good form to remain in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top seamer in the team has turned into a focus for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as well as for his quiet personality away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and can seize the uncommon chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is back in the intense atmosphere of an Ashes series looking to stand out with the bat and his gloves, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing the English batsman at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batsman whether required to accelerate or support the tail with a decisive innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state seamer has been on the periphery of the national team during the last few matches and is back following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the final – at an average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently attainable while the captain is sidelined and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five-match series in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The promising all-rounder had been targeted for the Test team from an early stage in his career despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a major impact to a pivotal contest. The youngster was the pick of the batting players while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the West Indies but might be selected lower down to make sure he can additionally support the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a true bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s reliable line and length, and hint of seam whether off the seam or in the air, is bound to Test the tourists’ front foot approach to scoring, with the enduring question whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is crucial to Australia’s hopes of taking the game against England with his attacking intent and habit to score massive runs as the stakes rise. A pair of centuries against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for five Tests highlight his skills, while the 31-year-old has a talent of finding a key wicket with his occasional but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The second keeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading 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. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays despite calls for a new blood at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. However following being among several batsmen failing to deal with India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a strong beginning against England’s pace attack in what might be his final campaign to make sure he can decide himself on when to retire the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex top-ranked batsman has put a dismal run and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to earn his place back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding performance with five hundreds in his last eight knocks might provide the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed alongside the opener, though the batsman is probably to trouble the opposition when playing at his favored first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the domestic series he would have wanted against the Indian team with just a modest haul last summer but bounced back to be critical to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

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