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The period for before the Ashes talk and squad predictions is nearly finished after the Australian team revealed a 15-man team to confront England in the first Test. The expanded lineup for the initial game points to the need for composed temperaments during the intense Ashes series, with Jake Weatherald included for the debut replacing aggressive opener Sam Konstas.

However with Marnus Labuschagne hitting stride and the only other uncapped players being a pair of pace replacements, there is a sense of familiarity to the selection even without unavailable captain Pat Cummins. Below is the way each player (presented in alphabetical order) will face the Bazball style, with a star rating showing their potential effect on the campaign beginning on 21 November.

1. Sean Abbott

The seasoned fast bowler is once again selected as a reserve following being a frequent member in the limited-overs sides in the past few years. With the captain's comeback remaining uncertain, and the other key attackers facing a tough fixture list, the veteran will aim to continue his strong performances to remain in consideration for a Test debut. ★☆☆☆☆

2. Scott Boland

A key pace bowler in the team has become a target for England for his modest returns during the 2023 Ashes as well as for his calm personality away from the pitch. However the 36-year-old has secured a significant haul at an bowling average of an impressive figure – including a three in three in his most recent Test against the Caribbean side – and has proving to be a danger at this level and can embrace the rare chance to start a campaign in the first match. ★★★☆☆

3. Alex Carey

The main wicketkeeper is returning in the simmering cauldron of an contest hoping to make his mark with the batting and his gloves, as well as for his involvement in a memorable incident when dismissing Jonny Bairstow at Lord's in the last series. The veteran is currently a far more composed batsman if needed to accelerate or guide the lower-order with a match-turning knock. ★★★★☆

4. Brendan Doggett

The South Australia fast bowler has been on the periphery of the national team during recent Test series and is returning following claiming 33 wickets – including 11 in the final – at an average of a respectable figure in last summer’s Sheffield Shield. An international debut is currently within reach as Cummins is injured and the key fast bowlers get ready for a intense five Tests in a short period. ★☆☆☆☆

5. Cameron Green

The highly-touted all-rounder had been targeted for the national side from early in his journey despite fitness issues, and the moment has come for him to deliver a important contribution to a crucial contest. The 26-year-old was the pick of the top-order batters while batting at No 3 in challenging circumstances in the West Indies but could be selected lower down to ensure he can also assist the pace attack. If he can realistically be picked as a genuine all-rounder in Perth, or may have to be relied upon to bowl bulk overs later in the campaign, could be decided in the Sheffield Shield match soon. ★★★☆☆

Sixth. Josh Hazlewood

The consistent fast bowler is at the height of his powers after leading the white-ball bowling and preparing for the Ashes series during matches against the Indian team. The veteran’s consistent accuracy, and hint of swing whether it be seam movement or in the air, is sure to Test the tourists’ aggressive method to batting, with the enduring concern whether Hazlewood can feature in four or maybe as many as five matches. ★★★★☆

7. Travis Head

The devastating batsman is critical to the team's chances of taking the game up to the opposition with his positive intent and propensity to hit huge runs as the pressure increase. A pair of hundreds against the Indian team last summer, and the similar the last time England visited for five Tests point to his skills, while the player has a talent of finding a key wicket with his part-time but underrated spin bowling. ★★★★★

Eighth. Josh Inglis

The back-up keeper in the team proved that he should also be considered as a specialist batsman when pummelling a hundred at better than a run-a-ball on debut in Sri Lanka. The player is most comfortable playing in the middle of the innings though he has demonstrated while leading the team in limited-overs games that he has the flexibility to come in higher up, which might fit a regular role as the replacement. ★★☆☆☆

Ninth. Usman Khawaja

The experienced stays even amid calls for a changing of the guard at the opening position following tightening his grip on the opening spot with a double century in Sri Lanka earlier this year. But following being among several batters unable to handle India’s Jasprit Bumrah previously, the 38-year-old requires a positive beginning against the English pace attack in what could be his final Test series to ensure he can make the call personally on when to retire the baggy green. ★★☆☆☆

10. Marnus Labuschagne

The ex No 1-ranked batsman has left behind a poor run and the indignity of being omitted in the past to force his way again into the national team – and certainly the XI to feature in Perth. His blistering performance with five hundreds in his recent knocks could give the selectors the assurance to support him to open if required with the opener, although the batsman is more likely to worry England when playing at his favored number three. ★★★★☆

Eleventh. Nathan Lyon

The spinner became as notable for his missing presence as his dismissal performances after a muscle problem in the second Ashes Test helped turn the contest when the team visited England in the last series. The 37-year-old failed to deliver the home campaign he hoped for against the Indian team with only nine wickets last summer but bounced back to be key to Australia’s clean sweeps in the subcontinent and the Caribbean. ★★★☆☆

12. Steve Smith (captain)

The Australia batting great will take over to lead the team until C