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The phase for before the Ashes exchanges and selection predictions is almost done following Australia announced a 15-member squad to face the English side in the Perth Test. The larger lineup for the initial game suggests the need for cool temperaments during the fiery battle, with the newcomer included for the first time replacing explosive opener Sam Konstas.

However with the batsman hitting stride and the remaining new players being a pair of fast bowling backups, there is a known quality to the team even without unavailable skipper Pat Cummins. Following is the way every member (listed in A-Z sequence) will tackle the aggressive approach, with a rating out of five showing their likely effect on the campaign starting on 21 November.

First. Sean Abbott

The veteran paceman is once more trusted as a substitute following being a regular member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. As Cummins's return still uncertain, and the other front-line attackers facing a gruelling fixture list, the 33-year-old will hope to continue his good form to stay in contention for a first Test cap. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key fast bowler in the team has emerged as a target for England for his unflattering returns during the previous series as much as for his reserved personality off the pitch. However the veteran has not taken a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – featuring a three in three in his latest Test against the Caribbean side – without being a force at international cricket and ought to welcome the uncommon chance to begin a series in the opener. ★★★☆☆

Third. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is back in the intense cauldron of an contest hoping to stand out with the batting and his keeping, as much as for his role in a unforgettable moment when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in 2023. The veteran is currently a far more assured batter whether needed to accelerate or help steer the tail with a game-changing knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the Australian side across recent Test series and is back following claiming a solid haul – including eleven in the last match – at an bowling average of 24.15 in last summer’s domestic competition. An first appearance is currently within reach while the captain is injured and the front-line fast bowlers get ready for a demanding five Tests in seven weeks. ★☆☆☆☆

Fifth. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey even amid injury concerns, and the time has arrived for him to make a significant contribution to a pivotal series. The youngster was the pick of the batting batters while batting at first drop in difficult conditions in the Caribbean but could be selected in the order to ensure he can also assist the bowling unit. Whether Green can feasibly be picked as a genuine bowling option in the first Test, or may have to be trusted to deliver more spells during the campaign, might be determined in the Sheffield Shield match this week. ★★★☆☆

6. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his abilities following leading the white-ball attack and getting ready for the contest during games against the Indian team. The 34-year-old’s consistent discipline, and touch of swing whether it be off the seam or swing, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive approach to batting, with the enduring question whether he can play four or perhaps as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

Seventh. Travis Head

The explosive batter is critical to Australia’s hopes of seizing the initiative against England with his positive intent and propensity to score massive runs as the pressure increase. A pair of centuries against the Indian team recently, and the similar the last time England visited for a full series highlight his skills, while the player has a knack of finding a breakthrough dismissal with his occasional but underestimated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up wicketkeeper in the team proved that he must also be viewed as a pure batsman when scoring a century at more than a quick rate on debut in the subcontinent. The 30-year-old is most at home playing in the middle of the innings though he has shown while leading the team in limited-overs matches that he has the versatility to bat earlier, which might suit a consistent position as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The seasoned remains even amid demands for a changing of the guard at the top of the order after tightening his hold on the opening spot with a double century in the subcontinent recently. However following being one of many batsmen failing to handle the Indian the paceman last summer, the veteran requires a good beginning against England’s fast-bowling cartel in what could be his final campaign to ensure he can make the call himself on the time to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

Tenth. Marnus Labuschagne

The former No 1-ranked Test batter has left behind a dismal run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the Australia squad – and surely the XI to feature in Perth. Labuschagne blistering performance with five centuries in his last eight innings might give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if needed alongside Khawaja, although the batsman is probably to worry England when batting at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

11. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as famous for his absence as his dismissal efforts following a calf injury in the second match contributed to turn the series when Australia toured England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he would have wanted against the Indian team with just nine wickets previously but bounced back to be key to Australia’s series sweeps in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia star batsman will step in to captain the team until C