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The phase for pre-Ashes exchanges and squad predictions is almost done after Australia unveiled a 15-man team to face England in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the first match points to the requirement for composed heads during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne returning to form and the only other new members being a pair of fast bowling reserves, there is a recognizable feel to the squad despite the absence of unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Following is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a rating out of five indicating their possible effect on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more selected as a back-up following being a consistent member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unclear, and the other front-line attackers dealing with a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his recent success to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

Among the top fast bowler in Australia has emerged as a focus for the opposition for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his quiet demeanor away from the pitch. Yet the 36-year-old has not taken a significant haul 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 threat at this level and ought to embrace the rare chance to start a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice gloveman is returning in the high-pressure atmosphere of an battle looking to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is now a much more confident batter whether required to score quickly or support the lower-order with a game-changing innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The state fast bowler has been on the edges of the national team during the last few Test series and is returning following taking a solid haul – featuring 11 in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in the previous domestic competition. An Test cap is now possible while the captain is injured and the key fast bowlers prepare for a gruelling five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the Test team from early in his career even amid fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to make a significant impact to a high-stakes contest. The youngster was the best of the top-order batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be preferred in the order to make sure he can also support the pace attack. Whether he can feasibly be selected as a genuine all-rounder in the first Test, or might have to be trusted to bowl bulk overs later in the series, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The accurate seamer is at the height of his powers following carrying the limited-overs attack and preparing for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and touch of seam whether it be seam movement or swing, is bound to Test the England's aggressive approach to batting, with the ongoing concern if he can play four or maybe even all five Tests. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative up to the opposition with his aggressive intent and habit to hit huge scores as the pressure rise. A pair of hundreds against India last summer, and the similar the last time the English visited for a full series demonstrate his talents, while the player has a knack of finding a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when pummelling a century at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in the subcontinent. The player is most at home playing in the middle of the innings although he has demonstrated while captaining the team in white-ball matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which could suit a regular position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

9. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite calls for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the opening spot with a double ton in the subcontinent recently. Yet following being one of many batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the veteran requires a strong beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what might be his final Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a dismal form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to earn his place back into the Australia squad – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. Labuschagne outstanding form with five hundreds in his recent knocks might give the team management the confidence to back him to open if needed with Khawaja, although the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when batting at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his absence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped turn the series when the team visited the UK in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with only a modest haul last summer but recovered to be key to the team's clean sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to captain the team till C