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The period for before the Ashes banter and selection predictions is nearly over after the Australian team unveiled a 15-member lineup to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger group for the series opener points to the need for cool minds during the intense contest, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing aggressive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the remaining uncapped members being two fast bowling replacements, there is a recognizable feel to the selection even without injured captain Pat Cummins. Here is the way each player (listed in alphabetical order) will tackle the Bazball bravado, with a star rating reflecting their potential impact on the series beginning on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The seasoned paceman is again selected as a substitute after being a regular presence in the white-ball teams in recent years. With the captain's comeback still unknown, and the remaining main bowlers facing a gruelling schedule, the veteran will want to continue his good form to stay in contention for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

Among the top pace bowler in the team has become a focus for England for his moderate returns during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm nature off the field. Yet the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an average of an impressive figure – including a hat-trick in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a threat at international cricket and ought to seize the unique chance to start a campaign in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is back in the simmering atmosphere of an battle hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as well as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The 34-year-old is now a much more assured batsman if required to score quickly or guide the tail with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the fringes of the Australian side across recent matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an average of a respectable figure in the previous domestic competition. An international debut is currently possible while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The acclaimed all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from an early stage in his career even amid fitness issues, and the time has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a high-stakes contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order players while coming in at first drop in difficult circumstances in the West Indies but could be preferred in the order to ensure he can also support the pace attack. Whether Green can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or might have to be trusted to bowl more spells during the campaign, could be determined in the domestic round this week. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic seamer is at the peak of his abilities following leading the limited-overs attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether it be seam movement or in the air, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the ongoing concern whether Hazlewood can play four or perhaps even all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batter is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against England with his aggressive approach and tendency to hit massive runs as the stakes rise. A couple of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the same the previous occasion England visited for five Tests demonstrate his skills, while the 31-year-old has a knack of finding a breakthrough wicket with his part-time but underrated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the squad demonstrated that he should additionally be viewed as a specialist batter when pummelling a century at better than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has shown while captaining Australia in limited-overs matches that he has the flexibility to come in earlier, which could fit a consistent role as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned stays despite demands for a transition at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But after being one of many batters unable to handle India’s the paceman previously, the 38-year-old needs a good beginning against England’s pace cartel in what could be his farewell Test series to make sure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has put a poor form and the indignity of being dropped in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and certainly the XI to play in the first Test. Labuschagne exceptional form with five hundreds in his recent innings could give the selectors the confidence to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, though the 31-year-old is probably to worry England when batting at his preferred number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his missing presence as his wicket-taking efforts after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test contributed to change the contest when Australia toured 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 only a modest haul last summer but bounced back 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 captain the team till C