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The period for before the Ashes banter and squad predictions is practically done following the Australian team unveiled a 15-player squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The expanded lineup for the series opener indicates the requirement for composed minds during the intense battle, with the newcomer named for the first time replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the only other inexperienced members being two pace reserves, there is a sense of familiarity to the team despite the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (presented in A-Z sequence) will confront the Bazball approach, with a star rating indicating their possible impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once again selected as a back-up following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in recent years. With Cummins's return still unknown, and the other main bowlers confronting a demanding fixture list, the veteran will hope to continue his recent success to stay in consideration for a maiden appearance. ★☆☆☆☆

Second. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for the opposition for his unflattering returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his reserved nature off the field. However the 36-year-old has claimed a significant haul at an average of 16.53 – including a three in three in his latest Test against West Indies – and has being a threat at the top level and can welcome the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The first-choice wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an battle hoping to impress with the bat and his keeping, as much as for his role in a memorable moment when dismissing the English batsman at the famous ground in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more assured batsman whether required to accelerate or guide the tail with a match-turning innings. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team across the last few Test series and is returning after taking 33 wickets – including eleven in the final – at an average of 24.15 in the previous Sheffield Shield. An first appearance is now attainable as the captain is injured and the front-line quicks prepare for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been identified for the national side from early in his career even amid injury concerns, and the moment has arrived for him to make a important impact to a crucial series. The 26-year-old was the standout of the batting batters while coming in at No 3 in difficult conditions in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to make sure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether he can realistically be selected as a genuine bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the white-ball bowling and fine-tuning for the Ashes series during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent line and length, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is sure to challenge the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the persistent question whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The aggressive batter is vital to Australia’s hopes of taking the game up to England with his positive approach and propensity to clobber big scores as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a key dismissal with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a hundred at more than a quick rate on his first appearance in Sri Lanka. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle-order although he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced keeps hanging on despite demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However after being one of many batsmen failing to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old needs a good start against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call personally on the time to hang up the cap. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a poor form and the disappointment of being omitted in the past to force his way back into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to play in the first Test. His exceptional performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might provide the selectors the confidence to support him to bat first if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is more likely to trouble England when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal efforts following a muscle problem in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured the UK in the last series. The veteran did not have the domestic series he would have wanted against India with only nine wickets last summer but recovered to be vital to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australian star batsman will step in to lead the side till C