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The period for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost over following Australia revealed a 15-man squad to confront the English side in the Perth Test. The larger squad for the first match suggests the need for calm minds during the heated Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald selected for the debut in place of explosive batsman Sam Konstas.

But with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining uncapped players being two pace backups, there is a recognizable feel to the team even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Here is how each member (presented in alphabetical order) will tackle the aggressive style, with a star rating showing their potential influence on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The experienced seamer is once more trusted as a reserve following being a regular member in the white-ball sides in recent years. With the captain's comeback remaining unknown, and the remaining main bowlers dealing with a gruelling schedule, the 33-year-old will want to maintain his strong performances to stay in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

The fourth best seamer in Australia has turned into a target for the opposition for his modest performances during the 2023 Ashes as much as for his calm demeanor away from the field. However the veteran has secured 62 wickets at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against West Indies – without proving to be a force at international cricket and ought to seize the uncommon chance to begin a series in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main gloveman is returning in the high-pressure cauldron of an Ashes series aiming to make his mark with the bat and his gloves, as much as for his involvement in a memorable moment when stumping Jonny Bairstow at the famous ground in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more assured batter whether needed to score quickly or support the lower-order with a match-turning contribution. ★★★★☆

Fourth. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia seamer has been on the edges of the Australian side across the last few matches and is returning following taking a solid haul – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the key quicks prepare for a gruelling five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted player had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the time has arrived for him to deliver a important contribution to a pivotal contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while coming in at first drop in challenging conditions in the Caribbean but might be selected lower down to ensure he can additionally support the bowling unit. If Green can realistically be picked as a true bowling option in Perth, or may have to be trusted to deliver bulk overs later in the campaign, could be determined in the Sheffield Shield round this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The metronomic fast bowler is at the peak of his powers after carrying the limited-overs attack and fine-tuning for the contest during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of seam whether seam movement or swing, is certain to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to scoring, with the persistent concern whether he can play four or perhaps as many as all five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is vital to Australia’s chances of seizing the initiative against the opposition with his attacking approach and tendency to hit massive runs as the pressure rise. A couple of hundreds against India recently, and the same the previous occasion England toured for five Tests highlight his talents, while the 31-year-old has a ability of taking a key dismissal with his occasional but underestimated off-spin. ★★★★★

8. Josh Inglis

The second wicketkeeper in the team demonstrated that he should also be considered as a pure batsman when hitting a century at more than a quick rate on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most at home batting in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the versatility to come in higher up, which might suit a regular position as the concussion substitute. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The veteran stays despite calls for a transition at the top of the order after strengthening his grip on the first wicket with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Yet after being among several batsmen unable to deal with the Indian Jasprit Bumrah last summer, the 38-year-old requires a strong beginning 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. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted behind him to force his way back into the national team – and certainly the playing eleven to play in the first Test. His blistering form with five hundreds in his recent innings might give the team management the assurance to support him to bat first if required with the opener, though the batsman is more likely to trouble the opposition when playing at his preferred first-drop. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his wicket-taking performances after a calf injury in the second Ashes Test helped change the series when Australia visited England in the last series. The veteran failed to deliver the domestic series he hoped for against India with just a modest haul previously but bounced back to be vital to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will step in to captain the team until C